We have analyzed several educational buildings that prioritize Durlum products, recognizing the substantial impact of the ceiling design on the overall project.

University of Toronto Mississauga - William G. Davis Building

The historic William G. Davis Building on the University of Toronto's Mississauga campus houses academic and administrative spaces, as well as a mixed-use program that accommodates major student activities. The William G. Davis Building was renovated with consideration for the regulations and constraints of a heritage building, and is also recognized as a cultural destination due to its natural surroundings. Throughout the renovation process, the design team implemented creative and innovative solutions. The addition features a simple yet strong geometry that complements the distinctive style of the existing building, along with a straightforward and ambitious architectural approach that ensures easy accessibility. The restoration of 3,600 sqm for the gathering space includes the renovation of the cafeteria plan, which enhances the overall student experience on campus.

In the spatial arrangement implemented during the renovation, designated zones were created using seating arrangements. This approach achieved two objectives: providing an open and well-lit space, while also clearly defining the boundaries of each program area. Furniture choices also played a role in delineating these boundaries. For instance, the central gathering area was designed to accommodate large groups, while nearby areas featured individualized seating arrangements. Overall, the simplicity and subtlety of these additions struck a harmonious balance with the intricate layout of the original building.

Improvements in lighting conditions were achieved by modifying the existing ceiling structure and fittings. The gathering space was redesigned with an innovative ceiling system that allows natural light, providing a warm and refreshing interior. Additionally, the integration of sprinkler systems required by regulations was made possible. As part of this transformation, Durlum's POLYLAM vertical lamella ceiling systems were used in conjunction with linear luminaires, resulting in a highly aesthetic and distinctive design. The creative arrangement of the panels gives the ceiling an open character, creating triangular gaps that allow daylight to enter the space.

University Utrecht, Victor J. Koningsberger Building

The Victor J. Koningsberger Building is a part of the educational complex at Utrecht University. This complex includes the faculties of Earth Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Medicine. In addition to the Victor J. Koningsberger Building, the complex also consists of the Minnaert Building and the Buys Ballot Building. Designed by Ector Hoogstad Architects, the aim of the building is to make the university more appealing by providing students, lecturers, and researchers with an inspiring, comfortable, and well-equipped workspace for studying, working, and interacting. In contrast to the introverted design of the other buildings in the complex, the new building is transparent and encourages more interaction with the surrounding green spaces. It has been designed with sustainable criteria in mind.

On the ground floor, you will find lecture theaters, reading rooms, and food and beverage areas. The "Loop" section on the first floor (highlighted by the bright green color of the facade) connects the three buildings in the complex, enabling users to move freely between them without the need to go outside. Access to the building is also convenient from the spacious bicycle park located on the ground floor. The upper floors house laboratories and study rooms for various research activities and interdisciplinary academic studies. The building's smart integration system offers flexibility, allowing for easy reconfiguration of all these units.

The primary concepts guiding the design are to enhance the utilization of natural light, foster a sense of openness and transparency. The size, spacing, and quantity of horizontal blinds employed on the building's exterior significantly contribute to its overall appearance. The building's uninterrupted staircase spanning from the highest floor to the lowest, along with its spacious atrium, create a grandiose aesthetic. 

Durlum has played a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance of the new glass building at Utrecht University, ensuring an environment that fosters learning and enjoyment. The building boasts stunning skylights that flood every corner with natural light, creating a sense of spaciousness. Additionally, the transparent facades were carefully designed to prioritize openness and energy efficiency, allowing for a seamless integration of the interior and exterior views.

Durlum's dur-F30 fire-resistant ceiling system was implemented in the building to ensure fire safety. Additionally, the GEO® double blade louvre open cell ceiling, rectangular metal panels, and OMEGA 60 opal-covered light channels were utilized. The hinged S4 rectangular metal panels, used in the cladding of the staircase ceilings, are made of rolled black steel and coated with transparent varnish. The GEO® double blade louvre open cell ceiling, covering an area of approximately 3700 sqm, features an airfoil width of 9 mm, a height of 42 mm, and square cells measuring 75 mm on each side.

Wilhelmsgymnasium

The Wilhelmsgymnasium secondary school in Munich, known as a mediator between the traditional and the modern, has a rich history. Established in 1559, it holds the distinction of being the oldest secondary school in Upper Bavaria, accommodating over 620 students. The school's registered building, constructed in the neo-Renaissance style between 1875 and 1877 by the esteemed architect Carl von Leimbach, underwent extensive reconstruction from 1950 to 1958 to repair damage caused by war. Today, the building has been carefully renovated, expanded, and restored in compliance with conservation laws. It is a notable part of the architectural ensemble on Maximilian Street. Alongside the general renovations, the building's interior has been reorganized to enhance its services and improve energy efficiency. With its versatile infrastructure, the school can adapt to evolving needs by incorporating new facilities such as a gymnasium or a student library. Additionally, a transparent recess hall with a steel structure and a metal-glass facade has been constructed in the courtyard.

The renovation has created an ultra-modern educational facility in the current school building, where Durlum's ceiling and lighting solutions are also used. Durlum RHOMBOS expanded metal ceiling provides a smooth and seamless connection between walls and ceiling. By individually covering the ceiling panels with felt, it greatly enhances the acoustics of the space. The open and breathable nature of the RHOMBOS expanded metal ceiling also contributes to a spacious and well-lit atmosphere in restrooms. The accompanying OMEGA 100 linear lighting, with its symmetrical illumination, adds to the overall elegance and timeless design of the ceiling.

Eleven meters below the floor, the new gymnasium features a durable S7 Rhombos Taifun expanded metal ceiling that can withstand the impact of balls, meeting both aesthetic and functional needs. The integration of luminaires into the large ceiling lamps provides a natural daylight effect and adds a unique design element to the sports hall.

Weinhold-Bau TU Chemnitz, Chemnitz

Until 2013, the Weinhold Building at the Technical University of Chemnitz was an outdated concrete structure from the 1970s. Following a four-year renovation project with an investment of over 50 million euros, the building underwent a remarkable transformation into a state-of-the-art science center. While the reinforced concrete structural system remained intact, the exterior of the building was extensively renovated, giving it a more contemporary appearance. Additionally, the top two floors were completely replaced with a new floor. Inside, spacious lecture halls, seminar rooms, and laboratories were designed to provide optimal learning environments. 

The spacious new building complex also houses the departments of electro-technology, IT and mechanical engineering. The intentional use of black and white in the interior design creates a striking contrast and provides a tranquil and elegant atmosphere. The university entrance's prominent location on Reichhainer Street is bold and impressive, just like the chosen colors and materials.

The ceiling panels were provided by Durlum, and a total of 4100sqm of aluminum open cell ceiling system was installed in the building. The architects enhanced the sense of lightness created by the ceiling by leaving 20 mm wide gaps between the ceiling and the wall, giving it the impression of a surface hanging in the air. The aluminum ceiling modules were individually coated with a custom black powder paint to complement the overall design.

Ceiling Designs Adding Character to Design

When ceilings are designed using innovative products like those offered by Durlum, it stimulates the creative thinking of designers and encourages them to create unique compositions with various combinations. This can greatly enhance the visual richness of the design, making the ceiling a crucial component. In special projects where Durlum products are chosen, as seen in the examples above, the ceiling design can have a striking effect and make a distinct contribution to the overall architectural design. Before embarking on your own design, exploring Durlum's innovative product range will inspire your imagination and creativity…